Thanks to the intense efforts of our local tech guru, Simon, MacJams now sports a very sophisticated ratings system that is aimed at minimizing the influence of those who vote only to increase or decrease the rating of a song. This system was implemented based on significant user feedback, and employs complex statistical analyses to yield more reliable and accurate song ratings.

With the introduction of our new ratings system, we renew our efforts to showcase the MacJams songs that are most highly rated by our users. You will note that the "Weekly Picks" section, which highlights the top rated songs submitted in the current week, has reappeared. To celebrate, we are holding a contest to award the top "Weekly Picks" as of 10 pm ET this Friday, May 21, 2004. Click "Read More" for contest details and PRIZES!!

This week's contest has been graciously sponsored by Peachpit Press. The first place winner will receive a copy of Peachpit's "Apple Training Series: GarageBand" (w/CD) book, with a retail value of $34.99. The second place winner will receive a copy of Peachpit's "Apple Training Series: iLife '04" (w/DVD). Information on these titles is below:

First Apple-certified training courseware for the popular new GarageBand music creation and recording software. GarageBand turns your Mac into an anytime, anywhere recording studio packed with hundreds of instruments and a recording engineer or two for good measure. It's the easiest way to create, perform, and record your own music whether you're an accomplished player or just wish you were a rock star. Apple Training Series: GarageBand will take readers through everything they need to know within the book and DVD combo in GarageBand. GarageBand turns your Mac into a digital recording studio--complete with instruments, pre-recorded loops, amps, effects, and editing tools. Why, you'll even find virtual recording engineers in the mix to help you out. You'll be spinning the music of the spheres in no time.

In the only Apple-certified guide to iLife '04, digital pioneer Michael Rubin has you making miracles with iLife within the first few pages. Using real-life material and practical lessons that you can apply immediately to your own projects, this book/DVD combo offers a complete, self-paced course in all aspects of iLife '04. Focused lessons take you step-by-step through everything from arranging your iTunes library to adding special effects to your video project. You'll learn to create funky tunes with GarageBand, make custom music CDs or DJ a party with iTunes, add motion and sound to your iPhoto slide shows, use "Hollywood style" techniques for making better videos in iMovie, and pull it all together in iDVD projects. The book is both a self-paced learning tool and the official curriculum of the Apple Training and Certification Program, used by schools and training centers worldwide. An easy, accessible style paired with ample illustrations and keyboard shortcuts guarantee that readers will make iLife their life in no time.

In order to be eligible for this contest, all submissions must meet our Terms and Conditions. Further, eligible songs must have been created in whole or in part using Apple's GarageBand software. Winners will be determined by user ratings. The first and second most highly rated songs in our "Weekly Picks" section as of 10 pm ET on Friday, May 21, 2004, will win the contest.

And don't forget to check out all the great Mac book titles at Peachpit Press!